Australia is an island nation and 90% of the population live in coastal regions. We surf and swim in the oceans and there’s nothing more Australian than our surf lifesaving clubs and their iconic red and yellow surf caps and beach flags. As such, Australians have always loved eating seafood; it’s in our DNA. Special meals in restaurants, fish and chips with the family on a Friday night, and seafood meals cooked on the barbecue on Christmas Day and other special occasions prove our love affair with seafood knows no bounds. Not only is seafood delicious – which explains its enormous popularity – but the health benefits of eating fish and other seafood products is staggering.
At a time when people are far more conscious about the food they consume and the effect it has on their health, the amount of fish we’re eating every year is on the rise. Since 1975 the amount of seafood every man, woman and child in Australia eats per year has doubled and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.
6 benefits of eating fish and other seafood
Fresh seafood is one of the healthiest foods on Earth. Most fish are packed full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and protein that are vital for our everyday bodily functions and energy levels. By understanding these six benefits of eating fish you can ensure your diet is on the right track and will lead to a life of good health and happiness.
1. Low in fat
There are different kinds fats. Some are good for you but others aren’t. Seafood is incredibly low in the kind of fat that clogs up your arteries and increases the risk of heart disease. It’s leaner than any red meat or chicken and its low calorie count makes it the perfect food for those looking to drop a kilo or two.
2. Slows down the aging process
The functioning of the brain and eyes deteriorate as people age. Generally speaking, cognitive function declines at a normal rate for most people but for some it can be serious and diseases such as Alzheimer’s accelerate the process. It’s believed that vision impairment and blindness – and Macular Disease, in particular – can be slowed down or prevented by the omega-3 fatty acids in fish. Research suggests that people who eat fish several times a week have a slower rate of decline in both areas.
3. Low in cholesterol
Just like fats, there are good and bad cholesterols. Bad cholesterol clogs arteries causing heart attacks and strokes, the two leading causes of premature death globally. Good cholesterol transports bad cholesterol to the liver where it is processed and excreted from the body. Because fish has virtually no saturated fat, eating fish several times a week can lower bad cholesterol levels and drastically reduce the chances of heart disease.
4. High in protein
The abundance of good quality proteins in fish is important for a range of reasons. Proteins are the basic building materials for muscles, bones, skin and blood. Hair and nail strength and vitality rely on protein and it plays an important role in the creation of enzymes, hormones and other important bodily chemicals.
5. High in vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that help proteins, fats and carbohydrates to do their jobs. Oily fish is particularly high in vitamins A and D that are important in the healthy development of children. All seafood is a great source of iodine (improves thyroid and brain health), selenium (a cancer fighting mineral), and potassium and zinc (improves reproductive health).
6. Omega-3 fatty acids
While fish is low in fat, it is jam-packed full of essential omega-3 fatty acids. They are vital for growth and development, particularly eye and brain development. Research also shows omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of many diseases, improve heart health and are important for fighting depression and other mental health issues.
Get your seafood fix at Lantern Club
Seafood is a central theme throughout our menus in both the MàZi Café and MàZi Restaurant. Our chefs have developed many extraordinary dishes featuring the freshest seafood ingredients. Some of the more popular dishes include:
- Pan seared salmon fillet with chick pea, chorizo, honey, roasted fennel, tomato, citrus and olive oil
- Garlic prawn linguine with chilli, rocket, parmesan and olive oil
- Natural Sydney rock oysters with red win and shallot vinaigrette, and lemon wedge; and oven baked Sydney rock oysters with a crisp bacon and house speciality Kilpatrick sauce
- Seared scallops with green pea and risotto cakes, and a green apple and romesco sauce
- Fruits of the Sea in the Basket featuring battered scallop, salt and pepper fish, fried squid, tempura prawn, lime aioli and potato fries
To make a booking for a meal at MàZi Restaurant, you can either do so online, or call us on (02) 8037 8200. The restaurant is open from:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 5.30pm – 9.00pm
- Thursday: 5.30pm – 9.30pm
- Friday and Saturday: 5.30pm – 10.00pm
Let us prepare a magnificent seafood meal for you and your guests so you can enjoy the numerous health benefits of eating fish in our comfortable and friendly café, or stylish and chic restaurant.
© Lantern Club, Roselands